For those who skipped the annual State of the University address -- afraid of a boring affair where it often seems everything but student concerns top the agenda -- you might have been pleasantly surprised by the focus of Penn State President Graham Spanier's Friday afternoon talk:

He spoke about creating a more "student-centered" university here.

Of course, the topics of these speeches always have something to do with students -- indirectly. But it was a welcome change to hear several funny and rather accurate observations about our lives as students, mixed with advice for how the community can remind itself why so many of us are here (to get an education).

He correctly recognized that many of our lives are shaped around a different schedule from the 8-to-5 routine so many in business and academia still cling to.

Yes, many college students are night owls, "creatures of the night." Yes, we appreciate a university that understands that.

We thought it might be appropriate to include a few excerpts from the president's speech as a sort of to-do list, not only for the faculty and staff to whom many of these suggestions were directed, but also for students.

Know your rights, but also know what you have to do to deserve these privileges.

-- "When someone is seeking help via telephone, a caller should never have to be transferred more than once," Spanier said. "If you can't solve the problem, never let a caller go unless you are sure the next person can solve the problem. If you are unsure where to turn, do some research and have the right person call back -- or call back yourself.

-- "Reply to e-mail and letters the day they arrive, even if to say that you'll need some time to look into the matter. People save their greatest wrath for those who ignore them or unreasonably delay a reply.

-- "When an answer is 'no,' give a reason. Most people will accept a rational decision. To be dismissed without explanation is frustrating and often needless.

-- "The world doesn't come to a halt at noon anywhere anymore. All offices should be open over the lunch hour unless it is a one-person office. In that case, shared arrangements should be made with nearby offices.

-- "Students should always be able to talk to a real person, if desired. We have phenomenal abilities through automation, but there must always be a way to reach a live person.

-- "Here is a simple but powerful rule: Always give people more than they expect."

When Penn State works, it can be like a large, well-oiled machine. Some level of efficiency here is necessary, or the whole thing would come crashing to the ground. Making it run even more smoothly will only make Happy Valley -- and the rest of the state -- happier.

We would love to see these small steps enacted in every corner of the university, on every campus, and we thank President Spanier for reminding his "corporation" about how to do business.